Horse Racing News: Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate Eyeing Melbourne Trip After Crystal Black’s Impressive Display at Royal Ascot

The Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate could be set for another trip to Melbourne following Crystal Black’s impressive staying performance in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap on Day 4 at Royal Ascot.

Crystal Black, owned by the Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate, a group of four friends who raise money for the Irish Cancer Society, put in a strong display to win the 2414-metre contest. This has prompted the syndicate and trainer Gerard Keane to consider a potential trip to Australia for the upcoming Spring Carnival.

The syndicate was previously involved with True Self, who campaigned in Melbourne on three occasions and won the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) in 2019 and 2020. Winning co-owner Neville Eager mentioned that a return to Melbourne is one of the first things the team discussed after Crystal Black’s victory.

“We’ve been to Melbourne before with True Self, but I don’t know whether he’ll go back with this horse yet. I haven’t had time to catch my breath,” Eager said.

Crystal Black, a son of Teofilo who has sired three Melbourne Cup winners, including last year’s spring star Without A Fight, started at 11/1 with betting apps and came with a sustained challenge to sweep past the 7/4 favorite Ethical Diamond in the final furlong.

Trainer Gerard Keane, who celebrated his first win at Royal Ascot with the victory, said the team would let the dust settle before deciding on the next steps.

“He will have a couple of weeks holiday and we shall see,” Keane said.

A trip to Melbourne could see a father-son team involvement, with Gerard’s son Colin aboard the six-year-old at Royal Ascot.

“It is the most emotional I’ve felt about riding a winner,” Keane Jnr said. “It is very special riding one for my father at Royal Ascot and a great bunch of owners.”

Keane Jnr also noted that Crystal Black handled the good-to-firm conditions better than the team expected, which could be significant if they do decide to take in a trip to Melbourne.

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